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The Tale of Despereaux The Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread — Content Guide for Parents

By Kate DiCamilloWalker Books2015ISBN 9781844289936267 pages
The Tale of Despereaux The Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread

Themes present

Violence
Scary content

Not found

Religious themesRacial/cultural contentProfanityClimate changeSexual identityGender rolesLGBTQ+ themes

Content themes

Factual summary of themes present in this book. No opinion — just the facts.

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Religious themes

PRESENT

Contains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.

About this book

A deftly crafted fairy tale adventure story from a New York Times bestselling author, twice winner of the prestigious Newbery Medal. Here, reader, is the tale of a tiny, sickly mouse with unusually large ears; a mouse who takes his fate into his own hands. It is the tale of a beautiful, flaxen-haired princess who laughs often and makes everything around her seem brighter. It is the tale of a poor, deaf serving girl who entertains foolish dreams of splendour. It is a tale of impossible love, of bravery and of old-fashioned courage. And, reader, it is a tale of treachery - unlimited treachery ...

Frequently asked questions

  • Is The Tale of Despereaux The Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread appropriate for a 7-year-old?

    The book contains themes of violence and abuse, particularly surrounding the character of Miggery Sow, who has a history of being abused, and the mention of blood in the context of the rat Botticelli Remorso. These elements may be considered dark and disturbing for younger readers. The book contains elements that could be considered scary for younger readers, such as the dark themes of imprisonment and the mention of blood. The character of Botticelli Remorso and the dungeon setting may evoke fear or discomfort.

  • Does The Tale of Despereaux The Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread have violence?

    The book contains themes of violence and abuse, particularly surrounding the character of Miggery Sow, who has a history of being abused, and the mention of blood in the context of the rat Botticelli Remorso. These elements may be considered dark and disturbing for younger readers.

  • Does The Tale of Despereaux The Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread have scary content?

    The book contains elements that could be considered scary for younger readers, such as the dark themes of imprisonment and the mention of blood. The character of Botticelli Remorso and the dungeon setting may evoke fear or discomfort.

  • Does The Tale of Despereaux The Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread have religious themes?

    No religious content in the book itself. The story is a fairy tale set in a medieval context, but it does not include any religious practices, beliefs, or ceremonies.

  • Does The Tale of Despereaux The Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread have racial/cultural content?

    No explicit racial themes in the book. The story features anthropomorphic animals and does not address real-world racial or ethnic issues.

  • Does The Tale of Despereaux The Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread have profanity?

    No profanity present in the book. The language used is appropriate for children and does not include any curse words or offensive language.

  • Does The Tale of Despereaux The Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread have climate change?

    No climate themes present in the book. The story does not address environmental issues or activism.

  • Does The Tale of Despereaux The Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread have sexual identity?

    No sexual content in the book. The story revolves around friendship, bravery, and adventure without any sexual themes or implications.

  • Does The Tale of Despereaux The Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread have gender roles?

    While the story includes female characters like Princess Pea and Miggery Sow, it does not actively discuss or critique gender roles. The narrative focuses on adventure and personal growth rather than gender dynamics.

  • Does The Tale of Despereaux The Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread have lgbtq+ themes?

    No LGBTQ+ themes present in the book. The narrative focuses on the adventures of a mouse named Despereaux, a princess, and other characters without any mention of LGBTQ+ identities or themes.